Neck sizing with full length resizer die ok?

[superior]

I use Lee rgb dies for 7.62x39 and I'm wondering if the full-length resizing die can be used to partially resize (just the neck) with good results. I'm shooting the sks paratrooper.

[hiram]

I have used FL dies to neck size. Back the die out 3/4 -- 1 turn and size the case. The shoulder is not being set back so check to see if the case chambers in the firearm.

[Blammer]

do it that way, then load that one case with the bullet you are going to use. Don't put any powder or primer in it.

then see if it will chamber.

your sks paratrooper is a semiauto correct? may want to make sure that necksizing will work in it before you load up a whole bunch.

[Wicky]

+1 with hiram.
I partial resize all my reloads - usually run the die down to about 1/16" from the shoulder.
This also helps with those that have a little headspace as the shoulder is left in the same place as the chamber stopping the case from seperating.
I have a 303B which has a bit of head space and cases used to fail after two reloads now I am getting 8 - 10 reloads per case - more with cast boolits - up to 20.

[waksupi]

Yup, that will work. I won't tell you how many times I have reloaded some of my cases. I will say though, I have been using some of the same cases for over 25 years.

[superior]

Thanks, gentlemen. I found each of your replies very useful.

[atr]

+2 on Hiram's post
Also, if you wipe a small amount of light machine oil on the neck, when you run it through the die you can usually tell how far down the neck the case has been resized by noting the oil ring residue mark. Just remember you want to resize the neck without touching the shoulder so adjust your die accordingly.....
and YES test a dummy load to make sure it chambers......

[Gerry N.]

+1 with hiram.
I partial resize all my reloads - usually run the die down to about 1/16" from the shoulder.
This also helps with those that have a little headspace as the shoulder is left in the same place as the chamber stopping the case from seperating.
I have a 303B which has a bit of head space and cases used to fail after two reloads now I am getting 8 - 10 reloads per case - more with cast boolits - up to 20.

Compare a new unfired .303 Brit cartridge to a fired one. You will barely recognize it. .303 Brit was never intended to be reloaded. The Enfield chamber is bloody huge so it will accept cartridges that are heavily covered with mud, blood and sh*t, corrodeded, bent, run over by tanks, or caliber .30-40 Krag. This works because .303 Brit headspaces on the rim.

.303 cases will normally fail in 2 or three loadings if full length sized. If you're using your brass in only one rifle or in ones which will accept the fired brass from your others, neck size only. Partially sizing in a FL sizing die usually, but not always, accomplishes this. Neck sizing only, especially in a collet type die will do wonders for brass life.

My 1944 Long Branch #4 Loves casted boolits and my HXP Greek brass seems to be immortal. I use a Lee FL die set back approx 3/4 turn, works fine for me.

Your mileage, as usual, may vary.

Gerry N.

[GrizzLeeBear]

+1 to what Blammer said.

Partial full length sized case will last longer, but you should load maybe 15 - 20 of them to see if they will function through your semi-auto first. Even if they work fine, you can expect to have one every now and then that won't chamber easily.

[grouch]

No argument, it works, but I've had noticeably better results neck sizing with a Lee collet die